Rails to the Sands in Cleethorpes is the first major exhibition of the Miniature Railway Museum Trust, which is working to develop a permanent museum of miniature railways. It has been developed by a volunteer team, the support of local businesses and North East Lincs County Council.

  1. BulletTwo exhibition galleries filled with hundreds of artefacts, postcards, posters and display

  2. BulletA constantly-changing collection of several intriguing and historic steam, electric and diesel/petrol locos, some not seen in public for many years – including “Blacovesley” from 1909 that ran at Saltburn (the oldest internal combustion loco in the world) and the steam “Lorna Doone”, built for Mablethorpe Miniature Railway in 1936

  3. BulletRolling stock showing how people rode on the railway

  4. BulletA short film show of historic miniature railway rides

  1. BulletWhy miniature railways were built

  2. BulletThe history of Cleethorpes as a resort

  3. BulletHow railways are designed and run

  4. BulletThe ups and downs of seaside railways’ fortunes

  5. BulletHow to get a railway of your own


“It’s not just another railway museum - it’s a history of our seaside holidays”

...for visiting us and making it such a success!

Rails to the Sands told the story of that very British amusement: the seaside miniature railway. More than just a history; it’s been a celebration of the people who built them, the places they ran, and all the fun of a ride on a small train! We came to the end of our run in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, at the end of 2011 and the Miniature Railway Museum Trust team is looking at the options for future activities.

What was on display?